GONZALES, LA - On Monday, June 11, 2012, members, family and friends of Ascension Composite Squadron (LA-022) of the Civil Air Patrol gathered to share information about their program and celebrate some achievements. The event held at the Gonzales Civic Center, showcased what the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program has to offer and the many opportunities available to cadets who stick with it and recognized those cadet who were reaping the rewards. .
On hand to help celebrate with LA-022 were: Group III Commander, Major Christine Marchand; Members of "Sister Squadron" Hammond Composite Squadron who took there own meeting night to travel to Gonzales to attend this event; And Cadet 1Lt Cody Nash of Lafayette Composite Squadron and LA Wing Cadet Advisory Council Chairman. Special guests from the community included Richard A. Webre, Director Parish of Ascension Office of Homeland Security and guest speaker Major Donald Bailey (USAF Ret.), Donaldsonville High School Air Force JROTC Instructor.
The event began with the cadets demonstration of Opening Formation and Report followed by the posting of the Colors by the Squadron Honor Guard and singing of the National Anthem, led by the Cadets and friends from Gonzales Baptist Academy.
After brief opening remarks the first order of business what the cadet commander change of command, whereby C/CMSgt Nic Delbasty transfered Command of the Cadet Squadron to C/2Lt Gage Tressitt during a formal Change of Command Ceremony.
During the event, several cadets received promotions. They were: C/Airman 1st Class Leah Ross, C/Airman 1st Class Dylan Geromini, C/SSgt Joshua Townsend, C/SSgt Michael Christian, C/TSgt Clyde Hodge III and C/TSgt Luis Comacho. Cadets who were recognized for academic excellence were C/SSgt Joshua Townsend, C/Sr Airman Hannah Pike and C/Airman Basic for 3.5 to 3.9 GPA and C/TSgt Clyde Hodge III and C/Airman 1st Class Dylan Geromini for 4.0 or higher. These cadets earned the right to wear the distinctive Academic cord for the remainder of the Summer and until the next report card in the Fall. One additional Graduating Senior was recognized for 4.0 or higher, C/CMSgt Chase Blank, and because he graduated with a 4.0 or higher GPA, he will be allowed to wear the distinctive cord as long as he remains a cadet.
Other special awards presented were the Air Force Association (AFA) award for excellence which went to C/2Lt Gage Tressitt and the Air Force Sargent;s Association award for excellence in leadership which went to C/CMSgt Nic Delbasty.
Although the quarter is not quite up, the squadron took the opportunity to announce the cadet of the quarter for 2nd Quarter of 2012. Cadet Airman 1st Class Amber Nezat received this distinction based on nominations by the Cadet Command staff and recommendations by the Cadet Program Officers in recognition of her diligence and reliability in following through on tasks as well as her dedication as a member of the Color Guard.
And finally, in bidding farewell to graduating Senior C/!Lt Justin Frederick who is headed off to 3 NCSAs and then to college in Texas, a special plaque of appreciation was presented for the positive effect he has had on the squadron during the short time he was here. He will be missed greatly by all.
The meeting was rounded out with words or wisdom and encouragement by Major Donald Bailey (USAF Ret.)
Congratulations to all who received awards and recognition.
Video by Ms. Grisel Camacho
